14 June 2026

Before the crucifixion, Peter  denies knowing Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus takes him aside and asks three times, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ Simon replies, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’

In response, Jesus gives Simon Peter a commission, ‘Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep.  Feed my sheep.’ It is very striking that Jesus does not commission Peter on this occasion to go and make disciples of all nations. He commissions Peter to be a pastor, a shepherd, a Good Shepherd just like him.

It has become fashionable to talk about deconstructing the Kirk as we know it and relegating the parish ministry to history in favour of a more centrally operated ministry covering large areas which once contained several different parishes.

The identity of these distinct parishes will be difficult to erase. The boundaries will be well-known not only to members of the church but even people within the wider community. Whilst the lack of ordained ministers may have contributed to this radical suggestion, something will never change.

The model which focuses on witnessing to others and talking about Jesus has not been successful in the past. The large evangelical rallies failed because what happened there was not integrated into the local church. A pastoral ministry depends on two things.

Firstly, a determination to get to know the people in the parish area. That involves a ministry of pastoral care which is essentially a ministry of friendship. It begins with generalities but as years pass these encounters have spiritual depth.

Secondly, a dedication to a particular place. Ministry of any kind is only effective if it is rooted in a particular locality. This may be a  town, a university or even a prison. But it will only work if the minister is rooted in the local landscape and knows and is known by the people.

In this context, two things follow. The good shepherd knows his people and calls them by name. In addition, the good shepherd is good because he lays down his life for the sheep.  A centralising ministry creates a diffusion of responsibility and a discontinuity between shepherd and sheep. Who’s responsibility is it to die for the people?